REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: PYTHONIDAE: Morelia

Morelia carinata Smith, 1981

Rough-scale python

Photos & text by Dr. Robert Sprackland. Material for this account contributed by Robert Porter and John Weigel, Australian Reptile Park.

Range: Far northern Western Australia.

Diagnosis: A python distinguished by a huge parietal scale and the presence of distinct keeled scales. The lips are light; the body is light honey-tan with darker reddish brown markings. The belly is white.

Description:  A moderate species that reaches 2.5 meters (8 feet). The body is slim and muscular.

Natural History: Probably the world's rarest python, known from only six specimens (as of mid 1999). They are found in rocky valleys of the Kimberley region where they climb on low trees and shrubs. So far they are reported to be strictly crepuscular. The only known captive specimens are at the Australian Reptile Park, where it is hoped breeding will take place.

Reproduction: Presumably an egg-layer, as are other pythons.

Taxonomy & Relationships:

Variation:

Additional Comments: These pythons are quite docile and rarely attempt to bite.

Type Specimen: In the WAM, Perth.

Literature:  

Barker, David & Tracy Barker. 1994. Pythons of the World: Volume I, Australia. The Herpetocultural Library, AVS Books, Escondido, CA. ISBN 1-882770-34-X.

Cogger, Harold. 1999. Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. 6th edition. Ralph Curtis Books. ISBN: 0-88359-048-4.

Cogger, Harold. 1995. Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. 5th edition. Ralph Curtis Books. ISBN: 0-8014-2739-8.

Ehmann, Harald. 1992. Encyclopedia of Australian animals: Reptiles. Angus & Robertson. ISBN: 0-207-17379-6.

Shine, Richard. 1991. Australian snakes, a natural history. Cornell Press, Ithaca, NY. ISBN: 0-8014-2737-1.

Torr, Geordie. 2000. Pythons of Australia; a natural history. University of NSW Press, Sydney, NSW. ISBN: 0868406023.